“If anything goes bad, I did it. If anything goes semi-good, we did it. If anything goes really good, then [they] did it. That’s all it takes to get people to win games for you.”
-Bear Bryant

“If anything goes bad, I did it.”  I wholeheartedly believe this. It isn’t just about demonstrating personal responsibility to players (though this is an importantly intended byproduct), it’s about getting the job done, whatever that may be. One has to take extreme ownership for his or her failings where in life, it doesn’t matter what the circumstances are because of the major responsibilities we have to one another. Beyond this, it is the coaches’ responsibility to prepare to such a degree that failure is not within our purview; there is effective and non-effective leadership and it is deflecting to think otherwise in my opinion. It takes what it takes to accomplish the goal. Players will not do what we have not coached them to do; players will do what we have coached them to do. The on-court product of our girls is a direct reflection of our preparation in every regard.

“If anything goes semi-good, we did it.”  Importantly, if something goes well, we should be sharing in the joy that is everyone’s success to appreciate because everyone in some manner did contribute. Furthermore, it’s us against the world! In order for it to be that mentality, players need to be and feel included in processes we can consult them on with their feedback. If something goes semi-good on the court, it is because we did something as a team within the bounds of our team concepts and framework. “Good” in team sports is a matter of the united whole working together. That is the way we want to play, that is the way we want to win.

“If anything goes really good, they did it.”  It is vital to give credit when credit is due and for everyone on the team to feel included no matter her role. But also, it’s the kids who did it, they’re on the court! Basketball is the most multi-skilled sport and is difficult to say the least, so when they accomplish, it’s a legitimate feat! Adjacent to this, kids need to be built up, be believed in, and any chance we get we should praise them when we can; if we don’t celebrate the kids then what are we doing in this profession?! Positivity especially in light of a demanding program is paramount. We want to uplift and empower our girls where enthusiasm is contagious and a quiet gym is very much a losing gym.